STEP platform – a new era for AI in the European Union

The European Union has taken ambitious steps to strengthen its position in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies. A key element of this strategy is the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and the InvestAI initiative, which aim to increase investment and create a favourable ecosystem for AI development.

What is the STEP Platform?

The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is an EU initiative that supports the continent’s technological development and digital transformation. STEP focuses on three key areas:

1. Digital and deep-tech technologies – innovations in AI, data processing and quantum computing.
2. Clean and resource-efficient technologies – solutions for green energy and sustainable development.
3. Biotechnologies – developments in pharmaceuticals, medicine and genetic engineering.

The STEP platform, which will be launched in 2024, coordinates funding from 11 existing EU programmes, including Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and the Innovation Fund.

InvestAI – €200 billion for the development of AI

As part of the STEP platform, the European Commission announced the InvestAI initiative in February 2025, which aims to mobilise 200 billion euros for the development of AI.

Key elements of InvestAI:

• 20 billion euros for AI gigafactories – development of computing infrastructure to train complex AI models.
• Six AI gigafactories – training centres for state-of-the-art AI systems planned in the EU.
• 100,000 next-generation AI chips – each factory will be equipped with advanced AI chips, increasing computing power in Europe.

InvestAI objectives

The InvestAI initiative aims not only to increase Europe’s competitiveness in the field of AI, but also to ensure that the development of this technology is in line with European values and ethical standards. As Ursula von der Leyen stated: ‘AI will improve our healthcare, boost our research and innovation and increase our competitiveness. We want AI to be a force for good and growth. We are doing this with our own European approach – based on openness, collaboration and excellent talent.

InvestAI funding and structure

InvestAI will comprise a multi-layered fund with shares with different risk and return profiles. Initial funding will come from existing EU funding programmes that have a digital component, such as the Digital Europe and Horizon Europe programmes and InvestEU.

EU member states will also be able to contribute by programming funds from their cohesion policy envelopes.

AI Act – regulations for ethical artificial intelligence

Support for AI goes hand in hand with regulation. The AI Act, the first provisions of which came into force on 2 February 2025, introduces rules for the safe and ethical development of AI.

Key principles of the AI Act:

1. Risk categorisation – the AI Act defines four risk categories for AI systems:

• AI systems of unacceptable risk
• High-risk AI systems
• Limited-risk AI systems
• Minimum-risk AI systems

1. Exclusion of AI systems of unacceptable risk – elimination of technologies that threaten human rights.
2. Strict requirements for high-risk systems – transparency, human oversight and risk management.
3. Support for innovation – the AI Act not only regulates but also promotes the development of AI in Europe.

Synergy between investment and regulation

The combination of significant investment under InvestAI with comprehensive regulation under the AI Act creates a unique environment for the development of AI in Europe. This synergy aims to:

1. Ensuring competitiveness – investments are intended to help European companies develop advanced AI technologies, while regulations are intended to ensure the trust of consumers and business partners.
2. Promoting ethical AI – the European approach emphasises the development of AI in line with EU values, which can become a global standard.
3. Stimulating innovation – a clear legal framework combined with access to funding is intended to encourage companies to innovate in the field of AI.

AI gigafactories – a new infrastructure for artificial intelligence

AI factories are a key element of the European AI strategy. The European Commission is funding six such factories, one of which will be built in Poznań.

The Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS) has received 200 million PLN in funding from the EU programme for the development of the infrastructure of the Artificial Intelligence Factory in Poland. The European Commission’s decision is a key step in the implementation of the AI network strategy, which aims to strengthen Europe as a global leader in trustworthy artificial intelligence.

The AI Factories initiative involves the creation of an advanced energy network to support research and development, the integration of EuroHPC supercomputers, and the provision of data for the scientific and industrial sectors.

The project, carried out by PSNC, has received 200 million PLN (50 million EUR) from the European Commission, which increases the total pool of funds for the development of AI Factories in Poland to 340 million PLN.

The importance of AI Factories:

• Modern infrastructure – will provide the necessary computing power for advanced AI models.
• Innovation centres – facilitate cooperation between scientists, start-ups and entrepreneurs.
• Democratisation of access to AI – enable access to AI technology not only for giants, but also for SMEs and universities.

Challenges and prospects for Europe in AI

How can an entrepreneur get involved in the STEP project and benefit from European Funds?

To get the opportunity to participate in the STEP project and benefit from funding under the European Funds for the Modern Economy Programme, entrepreneurs must start by submitting an application form at www.step.gov.pl.

The idea evaluation process takes only 7 days, and after a positive verification of the idea, the entrepreneur receives the support of an expert who will help analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the project. The expert will also indicate relevant sources of funding, competitions and institutions to submit applications to, as well as provide valuable tips to increase the chances of obtaining funds.

What projects are funded by STEP?

1. R&D projects – activities aimed at achieving technological breakthroughs, improving technologies in line with market needs, including increasing their efficiency and reliability, and developing standards
2. Projects involving investment – the creation of production lines, the establishment of first-of-a-kind facilities, the expansion or repurposing of existing facilities, the scaling up of processes to meet demand, or the implementation of quality control mechanisms to ensure the production of products of a consistently high quality.
3. The production of critical technologies or
4. Protection of value chains of critical technologies and raw materials, i.e. the production of

• End products
• Specific components
• Specific machines mainly used to produce these end products
• Critical raw materials listed in the annex of critical raw materials acts
• Related services

Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj-technologia/platforma-technologii-strategicznych-dla-europy-step

Summary

The STEP platform and InvestAI are key initiatives that can change Europe’s position in the global AI market. Huge investments, including 20 billion euros for AI gigafactories, combined with appropriate regulations (AI Act), create a solid foundation for the development of ethical artificial intelligence.

Despite global competition and challenges, Europe has the opportunity to become a leader in the development of ethical AI. Further investment and strategic action can contribute to a technological breakthrough and improve the quality of life of EU citizens.

Want to know more? Useful links:

https://www.poir.gov.pl/strony/o-programie/masz-pomysl-na-innowacyjny-projekt-skorzystaj-z-inicjatywy-step/